This spectacular large, slender hoverfly is a wasp mimic; its body shape and black and yellow markings make it very similar in appearance to a wasp (4). The 'model' for this mimicry is thought to be the solitary wasp Argogorytes mystaceaus. The hoverfly receives protection as a result of this mimicry, as potential predators believe that it is either able to sting or is extremely distasteful (5).
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